Computing scale



April 9, 1946. O. MALCHER 2,397,970

COMPUTING SCALE Filed Sept. 10, 1938 17 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 9, 1946. o. MALCHER 2,397,970

COMPUTING SCALE Filed Sept. 10, 1938 17 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 9, 1946. O MALCHER 2,397,970

COMPUT ING S C ALE Filed Sept. 10, 1958 17 Sheets-Sheet 3 N wlllli'l Hilnm O. MALCHER April 9, 1946.

COMPUTING S GALE Filed Sept. 10, 1938 17 Sheets-Sheet 4 April 9, 1946. o. MALCHER 2,397,970.

COMPUTING SCALE Filed Sept. 10, 1938 1'7 Sheets-Sheet 5 o. MALCHER 2,397,970

COMPUTING SCALE Filed Sept. 10, 1938 April 9, 1946.

17 Sheets-Sheet 6 April 9, 1946. o. MALCHER 2,397,970

COMPUTING SCALE Filed Sept. 10, 1938 17 Sheets-Sheet 7 Wale/ac)" 0. YMALCHER April 9, 1946.

COMPUTING SCALE Filed Sept. 10, 1938 17 Sheets-Sheet 8 April 1946- o. MALCHER 2,397,970

COMPUTING SCALE Filed Sept. 10, 1958 1'7 Sheets-Sheet 9 jig/0 April 9, 1946. o. MALCHER COMPUTING SCALE Filed Sept. 10, 1958 17 Sheets-Sheet 10 n m J April 1945- 0. MALCHIIIR v 2,397,970

COMPUT ING S GALE Filed Sept. 10, 1938 17 Sheets-Sheet 11 Ap 9, 1946. o. QMALCHER 2,397,970

COMPUTING SCALE Ma. MMIji/ April 9, 19.46. 0. MALCHER 2,397,970

COMPUTING SCALE Filed Sept. 10, 1938 17 Sheets-Sheet l3 JZUGRiOI' zzz I!!! April 9, 1946. Q MALCHER 2,397,970

COMPUTING SCALE Filed Sept. 10, 1938 1'7 Sheets-Sheet l4 WWII/Mm April 9, 1946- o. MALCHER 2,397,970

COMPUTING SCALE Filed Sept. 10, 1938 17 Sheets-Sheet 15 ia/12am wrun April 9, 1946. o. MALCHER COMPUTING SCALE Filed Sept. 10, 1958 17 Sheets-Sheet 16 o. MALCHER April 9, 1946.

COMPUTING SCALE Filed Sept. 10, 1958 17 Sheets-Sheet l7 Patented Apr. 9, 1946 UNITED s'ra'rizs PATENT OFFICE 2,397,970 comma scam Otto Maloher, Chicago, Ill.

Application September 10, 1938, Serial No. 229,263

16Claims.

This invention relates in general to a computing scale used in connection with a weight machine and has moreparticular reference to an indicator to designate the computed value of a weighted article for which the price per pound is set and indicated.

An important object of the invention is in simplifying the mechanism for more accurately recording the money value when the price per pound is given and the weight determined by a, suitable weighing mechanism.

Other objects of the invention are to simplify the construction of the money value charts so that the computed values may be shown in easily read figures of large size; to simplify the setting of a units column indicator as determined by a proportion of the ten cent value; to accurately position the operating parts and cams for moving the parts positively, accurately and without lost motion; to provide means for adding a onehalf cent value to any of the price per pound units; to provide means for eliminating any deadcenter in the calculating mechanism; to provide covers for the sight openings which shield the movement of the indicating wheels until the computed values are set; and in general to provide the mechanism herein shown and described.

For accomplishing these results and others which will appear hereinafter, the accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a perspective of a computing scale and weight mechanism enclosed in a suitable casing, in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevation with some parts bro. ken away and some parts omitted, of a mechanism enclosed by the upright casing of Fig. 1 in accordance with the invention;

Fi 3 is a top elevation of the mechanism with some parts broken away and some shown in section; v

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 2 showing the /2 mechanism;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 8-6 of Fig. 2 showing the weight control mechanism;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective of the stop slide for one-half cent variations;

Fig. 7 is a section taken on the line |--'I of Fig. 2 showing the vertical and horizontal components of the computed value mechanism;

Fig. 8 is a section taken on the line 8-0 of Fig. 3 showing the drive mechanism for the ten cent chart;

Fig. 9 is a section taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 3 showing the spring tensioning mechanism for the ten cent chart;

Fig. 10 is a section taken on the line Iii-l0 of Fig. 3 showing the computed stop set up and locked and the dead center relief mechanism;

Fig. 11 is a section taken on the line |l-ll of Fig. 2 showing the one cent positioning mechanism;

Fig. 12 is a section taken on the line [2-42 of Fig. 2 showing the safety drive, stop and lock mechanism for the ten cent wheel;

Fig. 13 is a section taken on the line [3-13 of Fig. 2 showing the zero shutter, weight set-up, and the motor switch mechanism;

Fig. 14 is a section taken on the line Il-Jl of Fig. 2 showing the weight chart, positioning rack and clutch for the chart:

Fig. 15 is a section taken on the 1ine.i5--l5 of Fig. 2 showing the ten dollar wheel;

Fig. 16 is a section taken on the line l6--l6 of Fig. 15 showing the operation and relation of the ten dollar wheel;

Fig. 17 illustrates a modification of the one cent mechanism similar to a portion of that shown in Fig. 11;

Fig. 18 is an elevation of the modification illustrated in Fig. 1'7;

Fig. 18' is a section taken on the line l8a-l8a of Fig. 17; and a Fig. 19 is a diagrammatic timing chart illustrating the operation of the various cams and the parts which they operate as related to one complete operation of the machine and therefore one complete rotation of the cam operating shaft.

In a computing machine of this kind accuracy of measurement of values is highly desirable and is difllcult to obtain. In a'machine comprising so many mechanisms in which the measurements are referred to a surface of comparatively short length, a slight looseness or variation of pressure may make such a difference in the ultimate calculation that the result is not accurate or may produce a slight variation which is Just as objectionable. For example, in weighing and calculating a certain weight at a certain price per pound the computed result may be. the same for fifty or any number of times, but if the next computation of the same variables produces a varia tion, even of one cent in value, the mechanism may be objected to as not sufliciently accurate.

In the presentinvention this objection is overcome by moving the calculating or computing members for any weight and any price to a positive stop and then adding a tension to these movable members against the stop so that there can be no variation due to looseness or variation in pressure.

In a' calculating machine for values even up to twenty dollars, a one cent graduation will require two thousand values and to produce numerals which are of sufficient size to be readily seen both by the customer and by the dealer requires either charts of large size or a particular arrangement of charts and values thereon such as the applicant has provided. Charts of large size are objectionable because they require a larger enclosing casing, more material, more weight, and therefore are more expensive. The present constructlon is therefore designed with the view of economizing in weight, space, cost and size, all of which are highly desirable.

It is frequently necessary to make calculations for one-half cent additions in the price per pound values. In an ordinary dial scale this can only be accomplished by inserting the one-half cent value after each other valuation, thereby doubling the number of figures and greatly increasing the size of the drums, the weight, number of parts, and other undesirable features. The present invention overcomes this by providing a onehali. cent key, the calculation value of which is simply added to any previously selected price per pound so that the computed value is for the addition of the one-half cent value to any price per pound.

In any computing device of this kind occasions frequently arise where the opposite teeth or points of the computing mechanism are engaged and as this is at the critical point for an added one cent valuation, the Storekeeper is losing practically a full cent in valuation each time that the computing mechanism moves back instead of forward. To overcome this objection a positive means is provided eliminating the dead-center position and insuring the proper one cent value.

Some calculating machines are operated continuously by an electric motor and are connected for operation only when certain keys are pressed. The present machine has operating means which sets a motor in operation for a particular cycle each time the calculating mechanism is operated.

The movement of the various mechanisms through the cycle causes the operation to produce a computed money value depending upon the weight and the price per pound, and after the movement is complete the motor is stopped and ready for another operation. While the charts for the computed money values are in movement a shield is moved across the sight openings at the front and rear but when the computed value is reached these shields move out of the way, disclosing the true computed money value.

For satisfactory operation it is necessary that the computation of the money value to be effected in a few seconds, which means that the cycle of operation as described must all take place within that time, that is, approximately three or four seconds, in order that the machine may be considered successful in operation.

The operation of this machine is effected through the operation of a number of cams des ignated by capital letters A to X inclusive, the timed operation of which and the specific name of the cam is set up on the chart constituting Figure 19, as well as in the description in the specification relating thereto. 7

In general an article or goods to be sold is placed upon the weighing machine, the price per pound is set by means of a knob at the end of the casing and a lever projecting from the casing is engaged which sets the mechanism in operation to produce the computed money value. The result is read from the computed value opening at both sides of the casing where it is visible both by the customer and by the dealer. If the price per pound includes a one-half cent valuation, a key bearing the one-half cent designation is pressed after the operation of the price per pound knob and before the operating lever is engaged.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the operation of the various mechanisms are produced by their corresponding cams A to X in proper timed relation, which is indicated upon the timing chart, but the operation will be best understood by describing the complete action produced by each cam and its associated parts. Unless otherwise stated, the parts are in the initial or zero positions, and a complete cycle is one turn of the cam for any part, represented as 360 on the timing chart.

General structure-The computing mechanism is housed in a suitable casing I (Fig. I) mounted upon a base 2 which also supports a weighing scale comprisinga platform 3 which communicates its movement produced by a weight to an operating beam l movable vertically in casing I and constituting one of the computing factors of which the price per pound is the other.

At opposite sides of the upper portion of the casing I are sight openings 5, 6 and l to show numerals indicating the weight, computed value, and price per pound, visible both to the purchaser and the seller. At one end of the casing is a knob 8 for setting the price per pound values, below it is an operating arm 9 mounted upon a shaft l0, and above it is a one-half cent key H extending through a slot in the casing.

To operate the mechanism it is necessary only to place an article upon the platform 3, to turn the price per pound mechanism by the knob 8 to the proper value as shown in openings 1, and to press the arm 8 rocking the shaft Hi. If an additional -centvaluation is to be added to any price per pound, the --cent key 11 is also depressed. This will start a motor for the mechanism, mask the openings 6 during the calculating movement, and then set up the computed value in the openings Ii, all in the space of two or three seconds; then complete the cycle, stopping the motor.

7 The various mechanisms are mounted in a skeleton frame consisting of a number of thin metal plates connected through their marginal edges by rods and spacing sleeves on the rods be tween the plates, the various shafts and mechanisms being connected to and extending through and between the plates as described. This frame is light, strong, and permits the necessary access to the parts mounted therein.

Starting the motor.--Within the casing an electric motor 12 (Figs. 3 and 13) having a driving shaft I3 is connected by gears H, I5 and [6 to a countershaft 40. This countershaft has a driving gear H which meshes with an idler gear 42 mounted upon a stub shaft 43 connected to a driving gear l4 fixed to a cam shaft H which carries many of the operating cams. At the operating end (Figs. 4 and 5) a gear l8 secured to the cam shaft is connected by an idler gear l9 mounted on a stub shaft 20 with a gear 2| of the same size attached to a second cam shaft 22 which also rotates one complete turn for each cycle of operations.

pressed lever 38 attached by a pin 3| and slot 32- connection to the other end of lever 23, leaving the switch arm 21 in circuit closing position due .to the slot 25, a spring 33 attached at one end to the lever 38 and at the other end to a fixed pin 34- tends to move it about its pivot 35 in a direction to return the other lever 23, the rock shaft l8 and the arm 8 to their original positions as soon as finger pressure is lifted from the latter.

Upon the movement of the switch arm to switch closing position by the slotted link 24, a link 38 (Fig. 13) attached to the switch arm 21 by the cross-pin 28 is also raised. The lower end of this link 38 is pivoted to one end of a lever 31 pivoted intermediate its ends on a pivot stud 38 attached to a fixed plate. At its other end is a pointed extremity 38 to engage a notch 45 in a motor switch cam P secured to cam shaft H. A spring 48 attached at one end to the lever 31 near the switch end, and at the other end of the spring to a fixed pin 41 tends to hold the pointed extremity in the cam notch and to open the motor switch 28.

Closing of the switch 28 starts the motor, pulls the extremity 38 out of its notch 45, and during a complete rotation of the motor timing cam P, the pointed extremity rides on the outer circular surface of the cam, against which it is pressed by its spring 48, until the extremity drops in the cam notch, the spring operating the link 38 to open the motor switch 28, ready for the next actuation of the motor.

Motor drive clutch.--Instead of the driving gear 4| (Fig. 14) being attached to the countershaft 48it is loosely mounted thereon but secured to a disc 15 which is also freely rotatable on shaft 48. A star gear wheel 18 is keyed to the shaft and has teeth engaged by a tooth 11 at one end of an arm 18 mounted at its other end on a pivot 18 carried by disc 15 and the tooth pulled into engagement with the teeth of gear wheel 18 by a spring 88.

Near the pivot the arm 18 has a projection 8| adapted to be engaged by a tooth 82 at the end of an arm 83 of lever 38, and to hold tooth 18 away from gear wheel 18.

When lever 38 is depressed in starting the motor, arm 83 is raised, immediately releasing arm 18 which is moved by its spring 88 to engage its tooth 11 with star wheel 18, thereby completing a clutch connection between shaft 48 and wheel 18 attached thereto, arm 18 and its tooth 11 which engages wheel 18, and disc 15 and driving gear 4| attached thereto. Arm 83 is held out of position to re-engage the arm for the first portion of movement of gear 4|, but its spring 33 tends to move it for re-engagenient, and a complete rotation of gear 4| brings the projection 8| against tooth 82 on the lever arm 83 which overcomes the spring 88 and raises the tooth 11 out of engagement with the star gear wheel 18;

Insuring motor operation-Any movement of operating arm l8 which is sufficient to start the motor must also continue its operation through a complete cycle, and means is provided to retain the arm in operating position during a portion of the cycle, then to release and return it for the next actuation.

Secured on the cam shaft I1 near the operating end of the machine (Fig. 5) is a zero positioning cam A having an angular-notch 88 engaged by a pointed end 8| of a lever 82 mounted on a pivot 83 between its ends and having a spring 84 connected to its other end and tending to hold the opposite pointed end in the notch for accurately positioning the cam A and shaft H in rest position to which it is returned upon completion of a cycle.

Actuation of arm 8 and its shaft |8 also moves an arm 85 attached to the shaft (Fig. 5) and hav ing a notch 88 in its outer edge adapted to be engaged by the pointed extremity 81 of an arm 88 fixed to a stub shaft 88 which also carries an arm 18 adjacent the gear 2| on second cam shaft 22. Projecting from the gear is a starter. release pin R to engage the arm 18 after a predetermined movement of gear 2| rocking it and the other arm 88 out of engagement with the notch 88 against the action of a spring 1| attached at one end to the arm 88 and to a fixed part at the other end.

In operating arm 8 and 85, spring 1| pulls arm 88 in engagement with notch 88, raising arm 18 into the path of pin R and holding shaft I8, and consequently motor switch 28 in closed position. Engagement of the pin R moves the pointed extremity 81 out of notch 88, allowing arm 85, shaft l8, and operating arm l8 to return to normal or initial position under the action of lever 38 and its spring 33, before the motor cycle is complete. Completion of the motor cycle causes the arm 83 to open the star wheel 18, clutch, and the zero positioning cam A is then in position to be engaged by its pointed lever 82 which positions all parts accurately for the next motor operation.

Operation of money value shield.--As soon as the motor starts it rotates shaft H to the right (Fig. 13) carrying with it the zero shutter cam N of which the tip engages a corresponding but pivoted tip 48 at the end of a slide 48 mounted for sliding movement in guides 58. The cam and tip have opposite abrupt and slightly undercut shoulders which allow the slide to drop suddenly under the action of a spring 5| attached at one end to the slide and at the other to the lower guide 58, as soon as the motor rotates the cam N a slight distance.

A lever 52 mounted on a pivot 53 between its ends is connected at one endto the upper end of slide 48 and at the other end to a curved carrier 54 having slots 55 at intervals for mounting it to slide upon headed studs 58 secured in one of the frame'plates. Extending from the carrier 54 are shields 51 which underlie the sight openings 8 for the money value, at opposite sides of the casing, and overlie the mechanism for determining the money values until the computation is complete. the slide 48 and the carrier 54 being abruptly moved by the cam N just before the motor comes to rest. This prevents the customer from seeing the movement of the money value wheels until the computed value is obtained. On their outer faces the shields 51 have zero designations and are therefore called the zero shutters.

Zero shutter Operation by price per pound kn0b.As the last calculated money value appears in the openings 8 it is desirable to operate the zero shutter as soon as the price per pound is changed. For this reason the tip 48 (Figs. 5 and 13) is mounted on a pivot 85 at the end of the slide 48 and has an extension 88 pressed 

